(UPDATED at 2:26 p.m. MDT, May 9, 2015)
The Hungry Hill fire, started when a logging helicopter crashed, has burned about 70 acres in the northeast corner of Washington. The fire is burning in a logged area, and firefighters are challenged by rolling logs. Two additional Type 1 crews arriving today should enhance their progress.
****
(Originally published at 12:20 p.m. MDT May 8, 2015)
On May 7 a helicopter working on a logging operation in the northeast corner of Washington crashed and started a fire. A spokesperson for the Forest Service said the 30-year old female pilot was rescued and is in stable condition at a hospital in Colville.
The crash of the UH-1 helicopter, at about 5:45 p.m., occurred on the Colville National Forest, 26 miles northwest of Colville, Washington and 7 miles south of the Canadian border.
A witness said the helicopter had just lifted off with a load of logs when there was a loud popping noise before it crashed.
The crash started what has become a 50-acre fire named Hungry Hill. It is being fought by 100 firefighters.